WyattH

Hi guys, posting this here and elsewhere. Considering the thought of purchasing an SLK55. I was stuck on an M3, but I'll try to entertain this dream.

Looking for 2005-2006 models (price). What are the differences between these? I've done some searching, and while I can't even afford a 2007+, I like the 2005-2006/7 brakes, but I like the 07+ shift paddles. Oh well. What else?

I prefer white, black, and silver (in that order). But it NEEDS two-tone leather - either cream/black, or red/black.

Needs NAV, HK/Logic7 sound, AirScarf, Heated Seats, and Xenons.

Low miles - 40K max. Needs to be in great condition with remaining warranty, clear title, etc.

Prefer West Coast cars (so I can fly out, inspect, and drive back to WA).

I found one that fits the bill in Costa Mesa, CA -
2006, 36K, $41.9K asking, options listed above, etc - - we just entered into negotiations, but I'm expanding my search as well.

My email address is wyatthanson@gmail.com - I'd appreciate any tips/leads, etc!

dsb

A used SLK55 is a great deal. I'm not aware of any difference between 05-06 with exception of a slight change in interior material for the center console. Supposedly, the '06 is a little easier to clean. '07 is a great all-around package but not sure the resale cost as you already pointed out.

Anyways, hope you get to fulfill your dreams.

WyattH

Thanks, man. Appreciate that. I guess I'll be open to either year (05-06), whichever comes up first for a reasonable price with the options/miles/colors/location I prefer.

I think I've seen you on 6speedonline? Always loved your car.

dsb

Yeah, I visit that forum sometimes. I'm mostly here or at slkworld.

Well good luck on your search... Perhaps we'll see some of your new car pics

NateDawg

A 2006 with 36K miles for $41.9K seems like a great deal quite honestly. I justed TRADED in my 2006 with 29K miles for $45K and the stealer has it on the lot for $54K (which is way overpriced). Anyways, Lynwood Mercedes (north of Seattle) has mine (a stunning Caspian blue with all the options and two tone black/ash) and who knows, maybe they'll come down signifantly (I was able to negotiate them down on my E63, and now I'm feeling better about my trade-in price).

SLK55 is a great car if you are looking for a convertible and "wow" factor. Good luck! I loved it.

WyattH

Oh, another local guy! I am near Seattle as well. I doubt they'd go down almost $15K, but I might try to check the car out regardless! Thanks for the input.

OT, but what kind of law do you practice (sig)? I am an undergraduate at UBC in Vancouver (from Seattle, though), and plan on going to Law school and then practicing Corporate...

WyattH

Found a 2005 Silver/Red, loaded up, 31K - - negotiated down to $39,500, but I think I can get down to $38,750.
Unfortunately it's not local, I so I'll need to buy 2 plane tickets, a week off (no worry, just a student with break around the corner), some gas, and a few miles.
Factor that in, and the price is back to $40K pre-tax.

What do you guys think? Has NAV, HK, Airscarf, heated seats, Xenons. Paint and leather look great. The seller (dealer) admitted a scuff on a bumper, but said an in-house detailer is going to prep it up on Wednesday. Also has Goodyear GSD3 F1s in OEM sizes, clean carfax (1 owned from Nebraska - though the car is not being sold out of NE), and warranty until 3-19-09.

porschetobenz

just for reference, i bought a 2006 SLK 55 with P30, black nappa interior,19,000 miles and every other option available(exc. 6 cd changer), MB checked the day before purchase, carfax, remaining warranty and brand new pirelli tires for $49,600 from an in state dealer of second hand cars.. i thought that was very fair but just throwing it out there....a 2006 with 36,000 miles, loaded like yours is(and mine), you are paying $7,000 less for 18,000 miles more than mine. seems like a good deal. if he is asking $41.9 you might be able to get him down $750, maybe. good luck hyatt.

WyattH

Thanks for your experience! I think they are both fair deals. Good break down on miles vs dollars.
My budget is right around $40K, so unfortunately I'm am "forced" to look at 05-06 with 3x,xxx miles - - but there are plenty in this category in great condition still. So I am not too worried.

I would prefer a 2005 with 31K over a 2006 with 36K given the $2-3K price difference as well.

porschetobenz

everyone who looks at my car, including the window tinters, think my 2006 is a 2008 it is so mint. so really, 2005, 2006, who cares? if they are mint they look like 2008s. i was lucky in that the previous owner was an **** pamperer. that was a consideration. but it was caspian blue, maybe THE biggest consideration for me....now that I am driving my car, i'd look for the best deal on a 2005/6 with the color you want and the least miles for the best price and weigh miles vs. cost. fun stuff. hey wyatt, are the cars you are looking at have the P30 performance package? I didn't see it listed. keep in mind mine has it and it's a $6000 option.

WyattH

No P30 package, but I don't care. All pre-08s have the nice brakes, I will change the wheels anyway, and I live in downtown Vancouver so stiffer suspension can bite me (I'll go for some Brabus springs). Not much benefit out of the P30 to me - though the CF trim would be cool.

I plan on doing the basic aesthetics (tint, lights, etc), Enkreuz wheels with some sticky tires, Brabus springs, BMC filter, Magnaflow Xpipe, and short R170 antenna. Should be a little quicker, lighter, louder, cleaner looking and less than $4K in upgrades. Can't wait to start this "project".

Shinigami

You can always try to order the paddles afterwards and have them fitted. Might be cheaper then replacing brakes to have the better ones from the earlier year models...

Brabus also makes paddles which can be bolted onto the shift buttons, although they're chrome and look a bit naff. You can also go the extra length and get the AMG paddles which although very expensive, I believe are made of metal rather then plastic (but I'm not 100% sure). I believe there's 3 paddles not counting the Brabus ones.

Plastic ones for the non-AMG's, plastic ones (larger) for the AMG, and the special (quite expensive) AMG ones. But someone can probably correct me on this one.

oldman55

I have 06' SLK-55 w/030 package, air scarf,nav,lite package for sale.51K firm

Clk&Slk

[QUOTE=WyattH;2513706]I found one that fits the bill in Costa Mesa, CA -
2006, 36K, $41.9K asking, options listed above, etc - - we just entered into negotiations, but I'm expanding my search as well. QUOTE]


Don't waste your money on that one. It been on the market a awhile.

WyattH

Interesting! May I ask why not? Wonder why it's not selling. This is what I hate about buying cars unseen/out of state.

Surprised he replied with a firm price if it's been for sale for a while. Right after I emailed him, he lowered it to $41,500 though. Ha, that deal's over anyway.

Only other possibility right now is one in TX. I'd really like a CA car, though.
2005, 31K, silver/red, all options. $39,500 down from $41,888. I offered $38,250, and I bet I can get them down to $38,750. If it was in CA, I'd be on a plane.

Old man - sounds hot, but out of my budget. Good luck!

porschetobenz

Wyatt. Have you checked cars.com and autotrader.com? I got my 2006 in state on autotrader.

WyattH

Yep, check both. Problem is, I want a car for $38-39K. I know it's possible, but some people are still asking $48K for these cars (05, 30K, etc)... It's nice to dream, but lets not waste time. So I search for cars under $45K, assuming I'll negotiate down, but that reallllly limits national results to under ten examples.
Glad I'm patient, but not glad I'm so picky.

porschetobenz

Wyatt. out of curiosity, went on autotrader. on a.t. saw a 2005, black/black, 37,000 miles, $40,000. ID- AT-DC079A6. Private seller from Cali.....Seems like that's the lowest you might see.....

on second look you are negotiating for a 2006 with the same peripherals as the 2005 I just saw.

WyattH

Correct. I would email that one, but the paint looked pretty swirly if I remember correctly, and no NAV. Did it have white/black two tone interior?
37K is just past my comfort zone.

The newest development is the 2005 with 31K loaded in texas, silver/red, $39,500.

porschetobenz

hmmm. grab it. i paid $10K more for a 2006 loaded with all options,P30 and 19,000 miles. that sounds pretty good.

WyattH

Interesting -
There is an 06 in Chicago, Black/Red, loaded with P030, 6K, $49K. Same deal as yours pretty much, but warranty through Sept 2009.

porschetobenz

a M.Y. 2006 was bought 5-7/2005. so 4 years is 2009.

WyattH

Sellers like this sure don't make it easy. Why are they wasting everyones time? I'd love this car for $15K less.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Merce...QQcmdZViewItem

Especially when compared to the 2006 in Chicago with 6K, all options including P030, Black/Red, for $49K.
Sheesh...

porschetobenz

Are 19" rims stock offered? P30 is 18"...anyhow, yeah, I think he's overpriced by around $7-$9,000. no P30.

MidniteBluBenz

I'm in the same boat. I'm looking for an '05 for around $40K. The car is for my mom and the prices for SLK55's is at least $25K more for a comparable car here in CAN. It only makes sense for me to get a 55 from the states instead of a 350 here (cost is the same.) + the fact that the dollars trade for about even right now.

I'm not in a rush, I'm hoping to find what I want ideally around Jan - Feb of '08. I keep an eye out regularly for cars on ebay and autotrader, but to get what I want (AIRSCARF, NAV, HEATED SEATS, HID's, NO BLK/BLK INTERIOR) I'll have to spend about $45K right now. Milage is not critical to me if the car is well maintained.

This one is what I want but I can't tell if it's got NAV.


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Merce...QQcmdZViewItem

How many different blue's were available on the SLK55's? Also did '05's have bugs that were sorted out by '06 or are they basically identical.